READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | The first 15 chapters of Romans could be a consolidation of Paul’s previous sermons, seminars and debates in his 25 years of ministry. Rom 15:14-24 are like personal notes to a letter. The church in Rome was founded before his conversion unlike the churches he established where he was like a spiritual father to them. With humility and gentleness, he wrote to the former to affirm them in what they had done well and reminded them about kingdom ministry.
Kingdom Priority
Paul had wanted to visit the church in Rome to fellowship with them but he delayed his visit because of his calling to bring the gospel to the unreached. He subjected his personal desires and agenda to kingdom priority. Paul showed by example how we are to offer ourselves as instruments of righteousness (Rom 6) and living sacrifices (Rom 12) to accomplish God’s work through us (Rom 15:18). How do you choose? Do you make decisions based on self-interests or kingdom interests?
Gospel Urgency
Paul’s mission work spanned strategic cities from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. Even then, this ageing missionary has gospel urgency to carry on the work. We need messengers to bring the gospel message to the lost (Rom 10:13-15). Paul’s desire was to pioneer a mission field in Spain, described as Tarshish in the Old Testament where people run away from civilisation, the end of the known world where people fall away after crossing. Preaching the gospel to the ends of the world must take place before Christ’s return (Acts 1:8). Salvation is nearer now than when we first believed (Rom 13:11).
Here is an example of retirees in missions. A small group of seniors from a local church reached out and helped the poor in Manila by organising small mission trips and supporting missionaries. Now the group is recognised as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Similarly, like the revival in Antioch, the first Gentile church was founded by believers who fled Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen. It was thriving so well that news of their growth reached the church leaders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:19-24).
Ministry Vision
Paul’s vision was not exactly 20/20. Events in Acts 20-28 showed things went terribly wrong. Paul had asked for prayers and prayed about his trip to Rome. The zealots in Jerusalem stirred up the crowd against Paul. Paul would have been killed if not for the Roman soldiers who arrested him and kept him in prison. Paul had to appeal to Caesar to allow him to carry on his journey to Rome. Paul came to Rome as a prisoner awaiting trial, not as a missionary to preach the gospel. He intended to stay in Rome for a while and be sent by them but church history suggests he probably died in Rome and never reached Spain.
To the best of our ability with the purest motive and waiting on the Lord, we may not accomplish what we had hoped for. Our prophecies and knowledge here are imperfect and incomplete but we press on in the direction of obedience to Christ, growing in our journey of faith, hope and love (Phil 3:12, 1 Cor 13:9,12). Even Paul the great apostle and missionary does not have 20/20 vision. Perhaps for Paul, the journey to Spain may be more important than the destination. Paul may be saying to us today, “This Letter to the Romans is what Christ has accomplished through me, because I planned for Spain.”
Do not despise small beginnings (Zech 4:10). “Spain” may be too far but offers direction even if it causes changes in directions and attitudes. We may plant a tree and know that we may not rest under its shade or enjoy its fruits. We can do our part for the environment even though we may not see the results till many years later. Start with small beginnings like offering prayers, gifts to the poor and blessing others. It may be small but is still a step towards “Spain”.
May we use all we have to offer to God, as instruments of righteousness, living sacrifices. May we not be troubled or hindered if our ministry vision is not 20/20 but continue to walk by faith, set in the direction of “Spain”.
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What would my work, play, habits, lifestyle look like when I put God’s kingdom & Gospel before my personal agenda?
- If I know that Christ will return in this decade, how would I live my life differently?
- If resources, time & energy were unlimited, what do I hope for Christ to accomplish through me(vs.18)? What is preventing me from taking my first steps?
